When recently talking with a friend, the person said he did not like religion; because he saw the topic to be one of constant controversy, politics and even war.
I think we can all agree with this statement at times. It’s not the practice of religion that I am occasionally bothered by, it’s the arguments that regularly loom between religious officials and organizations over what is correct doctrine and belief.
Somewhere along the way, it seems that people of faith really missed the point of what religion is all about.
If I were to sum up the lessons I learned from the Bible, which many Christians claim to be the basis of their belief system, I would state; 1) Love the Lord God above all else, 2) Love your neighbor as yourself, 3) Live for justice.
Nowhere in these key points is there anything about specific beliefs, doctrine or procedures. Rather, I think the Bible can be narrowly summarized to love and justice.
If this is the basis of the Christian faith, (and huge aspects of other religions as well), why do we let little differences constantly get in the way and make us not love each other?
Parishioners think their denomination or faith group is the only one receiving salvation. They criticize and brutalize other creeds, races and sexes, because they believe their faith allows this. They hate in the name of religion when in actuality, they hate, because they do not understand others.
From my experience, this is one of the reasons today’s youth is not going to their houses of worship with the same enthusiasm they did 80 years ago. Young people look around at their respected faith officials while they profess love for all, as they later show fault in others. Hypocrisy had tainted sacred air.
Why do we not practice what we preach? If we preach love, why do we not live a life full of it, free of judgment and hate?
If religious officials and participants do not start concentrating on what is most important (proclaiming the love of God(s), and they would rather divide than connect with others, they are only pushing people away from the beliefs they hold so dearly. They will produce people like my friend, who associate religion not with love and hope, but controversy and hate.
If that’s the case, I don’t want to be part of the club either.
The Lewis Flyer
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